Today is the longest day of the year!
June 21st is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer. It is called the Summer Solstice. It means “Sun Standing Still”.
What is actually Happening?
The Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees. This tilt creates the seasons because the days vary in length. In June, the Northern Hemisphere absorbs more of the solar energy, heating the air and oceans. The stored energy radiates out over time, creating summer. The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere, which is receiving less energy to radiate, creating winter.
How Long are the Days?
Well, that depends on your latitude. The higher your latitude, or the closer you are to the North Pole, the longer your day. For example, in Los Angeles the day will be 14 hours and 25 minutes long. Daytime in Seattle, at a higher latitude, will be 15 hours and 59 minutes. In Barrow, Alaska, it will be light for all 24 hours. So, if you need more daylight, just change your latitude!